Castle Howard is a magnificent historic house which sits in rolling parkland, offering breathtaking views of the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The grounds have always impressed with their splendour and variety and visitors may enjoy extensive walks through woodlands, formal gardens, along terraces or beside water. Now, we have joined the Countryside Stewardship agreement in an effort to manage the woodlands in a way that protects and enhances the native wildlife on the Estate.

Countryside Stewardship is a Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), an agri-environment grant scheme to help farmers and land managers protect wildlife, create new habitats, reduce flood risk and improve landscapes to increase productivity and resilience. Grants are offered to those who propose to make the best environmental improvements in the local area and we are delighted to have been approved for the agreement. Forestry Manager, Nick Cooke comments “Being accepted into the Countryside Stewardship scheme is great for Castle Howard, it will allow us to continue and expand our programme of works designed to enhance the biodiversity potential and sustainability of our woodlands.”

As part of the scheme we will:                   

• Control invasive non-native plants such as Himalayan balsam and rhododendron. Both these species are a problem because they out compete native species, reducing the amount of habitat available
• Enhance native woodland plants by managing open spaces such as woodland tracks. Cutting woodland tracks mimics natural process such as fires and allows native flora and fauna. Again, this mimics natual processes, allows sunlight to the woodland floor and encourages native plants to regenerate
• Provide deadwood habitats which are vital for invertebrate, fungi and small mammals
• Purchase a mulching machine to help clear brambles from the woodland to conserve the beautiful bluebell woods